So, I'm about this close to having a nervous breakdown and kind of need to get away for a weekend (from a Friday evening until the Sunday afternoon).

Does anyone know of reasonably priced accommodation in a nice area, just outside Jo'burg or Pretoria? I was thinking of going to Mountain Sanctuary which is very cheap but I am not in the mood to be pitching tents when I could rather be lying on a comfy bed.

I'd go a bit further out - to get the sense of "going away"

Not sure about price - Golden Gate
The self catering houses are very nice indeed (Had snow when I was there 2 years ago)
Not really far either.

For about R500/person (min 2 ppl - sleeps upto 6) - Wit Sand
Just outside Olifantshoek. Tad far if you're not used to driving distance. Technically in the Kalahari - but with all the rain that their getting at the moment - very green. Truely AWESOME location. Home of the world renowned "Brul sand" (Roaring sand) - if the weather is right the dune will emit a roaring sound when walked on. It was too cold when I was there in March.

Pics of the dune:
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4wd not required - just be attentive for the sandy road on the way in/out of the park.

All and all - Wit sand is worth every cent.

In the past I have gone to Omaramba and Buffelspoort, both are fun for a group of friends for a weekend. It doesnt compare scenery wise to Golden Gate at all, and I'm not sure if its the right place for a sortoff romantic holiday.

Both have heated pools and a bar. Buffelspoort has a Mashie golf course.

http://www.buffelspoort.co.za/
http://www.omaramba.co.za/

I enjoyed both a lot, but I think it was more because of the people I went with than the resort itself, although there were nothing wrong with the resorts.

Clarens close to Golden Gate is a pretty little town with some nice guest houses and stuff, but doesnt qualify for the "just outside" bit. Its truly beautiful in winter though.

Then there is Parys on the vaal river which is also a touristy little town. Its about R120km south of Jhb.
http://www.parys.info/

Much thanks, I am just deciding on where to go now... Gosh I can't wait.

Go to rush's house

Ja Buffelspoort is nice but rather come to my home.....

youre not rush

Woah, if rush dresses up like a lion I'll totally contemplate it.

meow

Get medication that knocks you out for the weekend, have a tape with sea sounds play while in comatose mode. Should work?

JuCa, you always come up with the best solutions in life. Marry me?

Question is, do you have the coma inducing medication plus good old fashioned tapes?

I have a bushy beard i look like a lion without having to dress up

THE BETTER MAN HAS WON! *retreats*

*Grabs the prize

*Warning* Results may vary without proper sunblock

Trust me, been there, done that, got the t-shirt, signed the photos, read the contracts, played the videogame, drank the official sponsored energy drink, walked the famous walking route, did the hip little dance, watched the stars, travelled to the Mecca, read the book, drew the pictures, took a photo, .................

Whoa! Quite an extensive list there, Juca... but was the deed done?

more importantly, were there pics?

I never made it to the deed, this one crossword just drove me crazy and thus it resulted in answering hunters question, I burned all the evidence

so, toast, where did you go ?

Unfortunately I have not had the chance to escape from the hellhole that is my life yet.

My stupid bitch whore lecturers decided I needed to do about 10 assignments a week, plus I've been working extra shifts so it's not looking too positive at the moment.

SOMEONE SAVE ME. I won't survive the wait until my December leave. Gonna try for a weekend in October, only problem is prices are going to be rising.